"The Twelve Kingdoms", written by Fuyumi Ono, is an epic fantasy saga that began with "The Demonic Child (Masho no Ko)" in 1991. The series was launched officially with the publication of "Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea" the following year. Since then, with enthusiastic support from readers, it has continued for over three decades. In 2002, it was adapted into an anime series by NHK. The release of the new novel "The Hills of the Silver Ruins, the Pitch Black Moon (Shirogane no Oka, Kuro no Tsuki)" in 2019, following an 18-year hiatus, sparked such excitement that it became a social phenomenon, reaching No.1 on Oricon's Book Ranking for the first half of 2020.
Beloved across generations and regarded as a landmark of Japanese fantasy literature, this celebrated series will finally be brought to the stage for its world premiere in December 2025.

"The Twelve Kingdoms" is an epic fantasy series set across two different worlds, our own and another fantastical realm that does not exist on Earth. In this musical adaptation, the role of Youko Nakajima, a high school girl in our world who is swept into another world, will be portrayed by two actors: one as Youko in our world, and the other after she arrives in the world beyond.

Portraying Youko Nakajima (Youko) after she is transported to the other realm is Ray Yuzuka, who joined the Takarazuka Revue Company in 2009 as a member of its 95th class and became the top star of the Flower Troupe on 25 November 2019. Much to the regret of her fans, she gave her farewell performance with the troupe on 26 May 2024 and left the company. This production marks her first leading role in a Toho musical.

Playing the role of Youko in our world is Ririka Kato, who has portrayed Cosette in the musical "Les Misérables" since 2021. She is recognized for her blend of delicate charm and a graceful yet powerful presence, making her a rising talent in theatre. Audiences can look forward to the collaboration between these two remarkable performers.

With book and lyrics by Tsuneyasu Motoyoshi (renowned for "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood") and music by Erika Fukasawa (composer of the film "Pretty Cure All Stars F"), the sweeping and profound drama exploring human nature comes to life on the musical stage under the direction of Kazuya Yamada, whose credits include "Roman Holiday", "Dance of the Vampires", and the stage adaptation of "Kingdom".

About "The Twelve Kingdoms" series
"The Twelve Kingdoms" series began with the publication of "The Demonic Child (Masho no Ko)" (under the Shincho Bunko label) in 1991. Set in the otherworldly realm of the Twelve Kingdoms, a world linked with our own, the series is an epic fantasy and, at the same time, a mystery full of hidden truths. In this fantastical realm, divine creatures known as "Kirin" receive the will of Heaven and choose the kings who ascend the throne. Each king rules their kingdom with the counsel of their Kirin.
(From the official website of Shinchosha Publishing Co., Ltd.)

This stage production is based on the first major installment of the series, "The Twelve Kingdoms: Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea".